New York – This internship is designed to be in-person and full-time (35 hours) but can be adjusted based on request by the successful candidate.
Expected Duration
Up to 6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Support the Intergovernmental Policy and Review Branch (IPRB) in the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC), DESA.
Assist with United Nations intergovernmental deliberations of the General Assembly (GA), Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), with a focus on sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda.
Internship Tasks May Include:
Assist in the analytical preparations and substantive support for GA Second Committee, ECOSOC, and HLPF sessions.
Support UN intergovernmental negotiations through substantive coverage and follow-up analysis.
Conduct analytical research in support of GA, ECOSOC, and HLPF activities.
Assist in the substantive preparations for ECOSOC and HLPF events and activities on sustainable development.
Conduct research related to the follow-up and review of the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Assist in preparations for HLPF, including research and coordination with resource persons, preparation of documentation and visual materials, and support for HLPF Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and online preparatory events.
Support IPRB and technical teams in uploading materials and updating the redesigned DESA and HLPF official websites.
Frequently interact with staff at various levels throughout the Organization.
Qualifications/Special Skills
Applicants must meet one of the following:
Enrolled in or completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
Enrolled in or completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
Applicants must be computer literate with proficiency in standard software applications, especially MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Knowledge of sustainable development issues is an advantage.
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience, but a relevant field of study closely related to the internship is required.
Must provide proof of educational qualifications when requested.
Languages
Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an asset.
Official UN languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
Additional Information
Not available.
Intern Specific Text
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations.
Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may require a visa and work/employment authorization.
Candidates should discuss visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
Deadline : Dec 3, 2025
About the Organization
The Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat is a vital interface between global policies in the economic, social and environmental spheres and national action. The Department works in three main interlinked areas: it compiles, generates and analyses a wide range of economic, social and environmental data and information on which Member States of the United Nations draw to review common problems and to take stock of policy options; it facilitates the negotiations of Member States in many intergovernmental bodies on joint courses of action to address ongoing or emerging global challenges; and it advises interested Governments on the ways and means of translating policy frameworks developed in United Nations conferences and summits into programmes at the country level and, through technical assistance, helps build national capacities.
Start Your Application
Applications for this position must be completed on the recruiting organization's website.
